3 Cheese Arepas Recipes

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Stir together 2 1/2 cups lukewarm water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Gradually add the corn meal into the water, using your fingers to stir and combine, until a soft and moist dough forms.
• Divide the dough into 8 golf ball-size balls and pat each into a patty about 5-inches wide and 1/4-inch-thick.
• Put a cube of mozzarella in the center of each patty. Fold the dough over the cheese, making sure the cheese is completely covered and sealed. Pat it back down until 3-inches wide and 1/2-inch-thick (see Cook's Note).
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat until shimmering. Working in batches, cook the corn patties, until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side (making sure the oil is hot for each batch). Transfer to a cooling rack set on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until the edges are crisp and golden, about 10 minutes.

Steps:

• Combine the flour and sugar in a large bowl. Gradually add 3 cups warm water, mixing with your fingers, then work in 4 tablespoons of the butter. Knead to a soft dough.
• One cup at a time, knead in the cheese. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons more water if the mixture seems dry. Taste the dough (some cheeses are very salty), then knead in salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Continue kneading until the dough feels soft and smooth, with no lumps. Set aside to rest for at least 15 minutes, covered with a damp cloth.
• Heat the broiler or a grill over high heat. Divide dough into 11 portions, roughly 5 ounces or 1/2 cup each. Roll into balls between your palms and set aside on a tray covered with a damp kitchen towel. Flatten each ball into a thick circle, 3 1/2 inches in diameter, flat on both sides. Return to tray and keep covered.
• Line broiler or grill rack with aluminum foil and brush foil lightly with remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Arrange arepas on foil and cook about 4 inches from the heat source, turning once, until both sides are golden brown and speckled - about 10 minutes per side. Serve immediately, for breakfast (like corn muffins) or as an accompaniment to soups or stews (like corn bread).

Steps:

• Combine cornmeal and water in a bowl.
• Add cheese and then buttermilk.
• Heat a non-stick skillet (low).
• Roll mixture into a ball and place in pan and flatten into a pancake, about a 4 inches circle.
• heat for about 5 minutes, continually checking that it does not burn.
• when it is golden brown flip over to other side for about five minutes.
• shred additional queso blanco on top and serve.

Steps:

• Place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl and gradually add the warm water, mixing to form a stiff dough.
• Add the cheese and knead the dough for a few minutes then form into 4 balls.
• Flatten the balls to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
• Heat oil in a large frying pan.
• Add the arepas and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until crisp and golden, turning 3 or 4 times.
• Drain on kitchen paper.
• To Serve - split the arepas in half, place on serving plates and garnish with avocado, tomato slices and olives.